The Food and Drugs Authority, (FDA) has begun sensitising on Food Safety for Vendors in the Western Region.
This year’s celebration is themed,’ Safer Foods, Better Health.’
This move is to draw attention to and mobilize action to prevent, detect and manage food-borne risks and improve human health as part of activities to commemorate World Food Safety Day.
According to the Senior Regulatory Officer in the Western Region, Benjamin Appiasam – Dadson, it is necessary as an Authority to champion food safety in households, restaurants and public eateries.
He said, as part of the activities, their outfit would ensure food safety, through public engagement and sensitization exercises for food vendors in the region.
He advised that food vendors should obtain certification from the Authority to ensure proper regulation of food safety and boost the confidence of the public.
“If we don’t take the necessary steps to regulate food safety, there could be dire consequences. This day has allowed us to intensify public education and sensitization toward proper handling of food.
We consider where and how street foods are prepared. The law mandates us to give certification to food vendors to ensure the safety of consumers.”
He mentioned that high illiteracy amongst vendors is one of the challenges facing the Authority in enforcing the campaign.
Again, Mr Dadson urged consumers to look out for expiry dates on products before purchasing and added that storage methods are adhered to as prescribed by the manufacturer.
CUE: “illiteracy has been our biggest challenge as most of the vendors lack an understanding. They are willing to comply however, it may take us some time to get them to understand us.”
He called on consumers to put their safety first when purchasing food commodities from streets, and shops.
